FAQs

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is a Memorial Day weekend tradition. This year’s festival kicks off with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition on Thursday, May 24 at 7pm at the Florida Theatre. Additional festival hours are as follows:

The rumors are true. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is FREE to attend! That being said, you can get even more jazz by attending the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition on Thursday, May 24th. Tickets for the competition are available here for $10. Upgrade your festival experience with one of the new and improved VIP packages. VIP package details available here.

The festival returns to the downtown core this year comprising 15 city blocks in downtown Jacksonville full of live entertainment, great food and unique shopping experiences. Plug 117 West Duval Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 into your GPS or online map for direction assistance.

Coolers take up a lot of room and are strictly prohibited at the festival. There are tons of great places to eat downtown and many beverage booths where you can get a cold beer, bottle of wine or Coca-Cola products. If you really want to be pampered check out the VIP Packages which include food and options for unlimited beer and wine!

Where can’t you?! The festival consists of three main stages scattered throughout the walkable festival footprint. Post up at the Swingin’ Stage, located on the corner of Main and Adams streets in the parking lot next to Burrito Gallery and across from the Jessie Ball DuPont Center to catch the festival’s headlining acts. Experience all the new amenities and relax in the newly renovated Hemming Park as you check out the bands on the Groovin’ Stage. You can enjoy the music on the Breezin’ Stage too. Be sure to get tickets to the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition where the best amateur jazz pianists go head­to­head to compete for the prize.

We applaud your foresight and thoughtful planning. Street closures begin Wednesday May 23 through Sunday May 27. Check back closer to the festival for details and in the meantime you can see the festival map here.

You heard right but no, you can not bring your own booze. Alcoholic beverages and Coca-cola products will be available for purchase at the festival from official vendors. Please keep in mind it is against the law to remove alcoholic beverages from establishments (this means you can’t take your alcohol out of the local bar.) Pro Tip: get a VIP Packagee and upgrade to unlimited beer and wine!

Coolers take up a lot of room and are strictly prohibited at the festival. There are tons of great places to eat downtown and many beverage booths where you can get a cold beer, bottle of wine or Coca-Cola products.Full List of Prohibited Items:

Yes, there will be food trucks and other food vendors as well. Plus, downtown has some of the best dining options in the city offering specials during the festival! Please do not bring outside food into the festival area and absolutely no glass containers. Sales of unauthorized food or beverage is not permitted. All vendors must be licensed, approved and sanctioned by the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events.

Believe it or not, downtown Jacksonville boasts over 43,000 public parking spaces including metered street parking and garages. You might not get a spot up front but you will be sure to find something within walking distance. Check out the downtown parking database provided by Downtown Vision, Inc. to find available parking. Pro Tip: go VIP and receive reserved parking in close proximity to all the festival action.

Jacksonville knows how to party rain or shine. That being said, in the event of extreme inclement weather as determined by the festival’s Emergency Operations Command, there is a chance certain performances may be cancelled or rescheduled as the safety of all attendees is our number one priority. But remember, umbrellas are prohibited so be prepared and bring a rain jacket or poncho.

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is for everyone so all festival venues and stages are ADA compliant. For any questions about ADA accessibility and accomidations please email events@coj.net, call (904).630.3690, or call (904) 630.CITY (2489).

Applications and performer submissions for the 2018 festival are now closed but if you are a musician or represent a musician interested in performing in the future, please contact the Office of Special Events at (904) 630­-3690 or email events@coj.net after September 1, 2018. You may however, apply to compete in the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection to win a chance to perform on the Main Stage! Details on how to apply are available here.